TEN primary schools from Belfast are taking part in a new environmental project provided by The RSPB and Young at Art and supported by Belfast Harbour.
Focusing on birdlife and the wider environment of Belfast Harbour, the project is based in The RSPB’s recently opened Window on Wildlife (WOW) nature reserve in the Harbour Estate. The area includes 195-acres set aside for nature conservation and more than 100 different species of birds and other wildlife have been recorded at the site.
Participating schools will receive a free 90-minute educational session at WOW, including an interactive workshop, a tour of the reserve and curriculum-linked education activities. Pupils will also receive follow-up activities and resources following their visit.
Species which can be seen at Belfast WOW at this time of year include the reserve's resident konik ponies, as well as lapwings and wading birds such as black-tailed godwits. However, as a stop-off for migrant birds from all around the globe, there’s always wonderful wildlife to see whatever the season.
THE Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark has been designated as a Unesco site following a vote at the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation General Conference in Paris.
The designation means that the Clare County Council managed Geopark, along with Ireland's two other Geoparks the Copper Coast Geopark and Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, is now a Unesco Global Geopark and is now at the same level as other Unesco designated sites such as Newgrange and the Giant’s Causeway.
:: For more information see www.burrengeopark.ie
CONGRATULATIONS to Rosanna Ballentine, a local volunteer from outside Moneyreagh, Co Down, who has won the Volunteer of the Year award from conservation charity the Woodland Trust.
Rosanna received the Juniper Award for ‘Champion of woods and trees’ at the charity’s annual volunteer conference held in Leeds. The awards were presented by chief executive of the Woodland Trust Beccy Speight.
With a passion for woodland and nature, Rosanna uses her own experience of planting and maintaining native trees to advise and inspire others.
Each year the Woodland Trust gives awards to the most outstanding volunteers for their talent and dedication. Winners are selected from over 2,000 volunteers all over the UK, who in 2014 dedicated over 205,000 hours of their time.
:: To find out how you can become a volunteer for the Woodland Trust, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/volunteer.
